Introduction to Research Methods in Education
- Keith F Punch - University of Western Australia, Australia
- Alis Oancea - University of Oxford, UK
Data Collection & Analysis | Educational Research Methods | Research Methods (General)
Based on Keith Punch’s bestselling Introduction to Social Research Methods, this book introduces the research process in a range of educational contexts. In this updated second edition, you’ll find guidance on every stage of research, with chapters on developing research questions, doing a literature review, collecting data, analysing your findings and writing it all up.
With a new chapter on ethics and additional coverage of Internet research and mixing methods, the second edition contains everything you’ll need if you’re studying on a research methods course or doing a research project for yourself.
Introduction to Research Methods in Education provides you with:
- Balanced coverage of the range of methods employed by educational researchers
- Practical advice on collecting and analysing qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods data
- A range of examples from student projects to show how research is done in real-life educational settings
- A companion website with additional resources for lecturers and students.
Keith F Punch is Emeritus Professor in the Graduate School of Education at The University of Western Australia.
Alis Oancea is Professor of Philosophy of Education and Research Policy, as well as Director of Research at the University of Oxford, Department of Education.
Supplements
I teach on several modules at undergraduate and masters level. All my students are work-based distance learners who carry out small scale research within their work context.
I will recommend this as a key general text. It is attractive, relevant and up-to-date with plenty of useful examples and links. In places the style is a little heavy for second year undergraduates.
The links to real research articles are most useful, and the chapter on Ethics is particularly good.
I would have welcomed the inclusion of collaborative research and the discussion of informal methods such as “nominal group technique” and “traffic lights” that can be a starting point for more detailed methods.
Sample instruments eg observation protocols, interview schedules, questionnaires could have been added into an appendix.
The layout and presentation are attractive, especially learning objectives, , summary, key terms, further reading and exercises and study questions for each chapter.
The text is clean and legible (except for the rather thin paper, the occasional use of black on dark green eg Fig 1.1, and the bold header which is hard to read.
It is good to add a website. However, the choice of topics for students is disappointing as they all relate to quantitative methods. I have been unable to access the instructor resources.
A good publication which clearly identifies research methods introducing students to various methodology including useful case studies to support individual projects.
this is a clearly written introduction to research methods. it covers a broad range of issues, although not in depth, however as an introduction to concepts it is useful.
This book could be an effective supplementary text and offer various suggested further reading.
A useful addition to texts on research methods. Punch's introductory text provide postgraduate researchers with the skills and tools needed to embark on their research projects.
Clear, concise and accessible
A great resource for supporting education students in their dissertations
Not appropriate for nursing programme
Written in a way which is understandable. logical structure with useful examples and summaries.
This is a book that has been used by students for a number of years. It has a tried and tested formulae which works well for those studying in education. Clear, comprehensive and easily understood. A good bookshelf classic.
